Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  Nissan Quest SE - Limo Of Minivans - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By relentless1 - July 22 - 2:36 am

  Never thought Id buy a minivan but wife, 2 kids & I are very pleased & impressed with our 05 Q. Traded in 96 Land Rover Discovery SE7. We also considered Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, but chose the Quest due to its unconventional, sporty & unique design & comfortable ride. Have 30k trouble free miles. Responsive engine, love the spaceship like instrument cluster & unique dashboard. Currently shopping for dashbrd kits to enhance interior. Just repl OEM tires 225-60r-17s (Gdyear)for 235-55r-17s as OEM tires are odd size but love the new (Pirellis) all season. Only maintenance performed: oil changes, 2 tire rotations & 1 nail in tire. Will schedule 30k checkup. Need to check in- cabin filter.

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  Decent - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By B. Foster - July 21 - 5:08 pm

  I would describe my rental Altima which I have for 3 months as competent. The exterior is styled nicely, the interior is functional but plain. I do appreciate the comfortable elbow rests. The 4 cylinder engine is powerful enough but struggles up hills. The CVT works well and you can get up to speed pretty quickly, but there is an artificial shift feeling. The steering is light and handling is just ok, the car has Hankook tires on which ride nicely but lack grip. The cloth seats hold up well, the ride is fairly comfortable but gets choppy sometimes. There is some engine growl but otherwise the car is quiet. Mileage is around 31 mpg combined. The Altima is certainly a good car, it just doesnt feel special. Unlike say, my previous Accord which I just liked to get into every day and drive. The Altima doesnt have that.

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  Not my first choice. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By shanp25 - July 21 - 4:33 pm

  Nissan Versa was not my first choice but when I saw it on the lot I thought it was cute. When I test drove it I fell in love. I also tried the Honda Fit which I felt was made cheaply and could be blown over by 5 mph winds. I get exceptional mileage but have only one complaint. I needed new brakes after only having the car for 6 months, plus there was a re-call with the air bag for the passenger seat. Very roomy in the backseat. Could fit a bike in the trunk with one of the back seats folded. Great gas mileage, comfy seats. There are more positives than negatives :) Great hatchback for a great price.

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  Minor ergonimic problems, excellent car - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By mmagliaro - July 21 - 3:26 pm

  Bought this used with 26000 miles on it. Its quiet, comfortable, powerful. I get an honest 23 mpg with it (but I do mostly highway driving). In fact, its the nicest car I have ever owned. But its not without flaws. 1. This car is so short on storage! Not enough drawers, pouches, etc, to put "stuff" 2. Doors dont prop and hold open at enough convenient positions. Have to open the doors all the way most of the time to really be sure they stay open. 3. AM radio reception is poor. AM is still handy for news and such. This thing cant pull in most of the stations my old radio could. FM is fine. 4. Sliding armrest thing is silly.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By brandymac - July 21 - 3:11 pm

  Bought car at 89K miles & replaced timing chains & transmission 2 weeks after(cost=$5k)& then replaced oil cooler gasket.Burns over 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles.Car now has 145k miles and Im replacing the left Control Arm & brakes & rotors due to the damage. Dealer said it was normal for this car to burn this much oil.It is not leaking oil.Nissan was great about honoring the 2 recalls & fixed them no problem.The steering column vibrates roughly when driving even when alignment is done & balanced tires.Bought new Michelin Primacy tires which helped some.The turning radius is horrible. Car is super comfy& roomy for long trips.Love the style & sporty but 2 expensive 2 keep buying oil.

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  Everything youd thought it would be... - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By pex - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This generation Nissan is nothing short of a phenomenon. I dont think any of us truly appreciated what a classic sports car Nissan produced from 1990- 1996. Nor could you understand the gravity of its annual assault as Car & Drivers, Motor Trend, among others, pound-for-pound best sports car ever made claims. Simply put,power, handle, big brakes, and good looks. What more could a layperson ask for?

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  Best Car under $20k! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Eric the Driver - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Spec V for about 6 months now, and I love it. I push the car to its limits, and it keeps up with many cars much more expensive. Its fun to consistantly beat little hindas, and acuras that have been hopped up.

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  excellent car all a round - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By cynthia - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, I firt had a 1996 maxima, loved it now Ive purchased a 2002. Great car, excellent!

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  Best all-around Mid-Size SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ron Brewer - July 20 - 3:03 pm

  Best driver leg room of SUVs test driven. It has no rattles. Rear storage area adjustable and adequate. Not one problem in almost 30,000 miles. I enjoy town and highway performance and handling. Four wheel drive and braking system excellent.Of more than 30 vehicles owned since 1954 this one is the best!

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  will never buy another nissan! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dustman98 - July 20 - 2:56 pm

  Bought my 05 pathfinder used in 2010 with 75K miles thinking I was getting a great used vehicle with excellent reliability. What ensued was a series of headaches that prompted me to trade it (at a loss) only 1.5 years later. I replaced the radiator only 8 months into ownership because it was leaking to prevent transmission problem that seemed prevalent among owners. Within 6 months, I noticed transmission making funny shifts and acting awkward. At the same time, CV joint deterioriated on front driveshaft (another common complaint) resulting in terrible roaring noise during high speed travel. Replaced both for $1300. Traded today to avoid problem..Get rid of as soon as possible!!